West Nile virus found in North Fork mosquito sample; 63 positive samples collected in Suffolk so far this year

A mosquito sample from Southold was among 19 new mosquito samples to test positive for West Nile virus, bringing the total number of positive mosquito samples found this year to 63, the Suffolk County health commissioner announced this afternoon. This was the first positive mosquito sample on the North Fork reported by the county health department this summer.

The new samples, all Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected between July 31 to Aug. 6, in Lindenhurst, Copiague, North Babylon, West Babylon, West Babylon, Nesconset, Port Jeff Station, Rocky Point, East Hampton, Huntington, Dix Hills, Greenlawn and Southold.

West Nile virus, first detected in birds and mosquito samples in Suffolk County in 1999 and again each year thereafter, is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk so far this year.

“The confirmation of West Nile virus in mosquito samples or birds indicates the presence of West Nile virus in the area,” Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken said. “While there is no cause for alarm, we advise residents to cooperate with us in our efforts to reduce the exposure to the virus, which can be debilitating to humans.”

Most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis, according to health officials. The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to:

Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.

Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.

Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.

Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.

Download a copy of Suffolk County’s informational brochure “Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection,” available in English and Spanish.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Public Health Information Line in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

For further information on West Nile virus, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.